hi there, 4 friends and I are traveling cross country for 37 days. starting matamoras pa, - to california and inbetween. We will be camping through out the trip in some national parks, and we will be driving a dodge durango with a rack on top for our camping gear. the estimated expense per person is $ 3, 000.Note we will be stopping at family/friends house through out the trip as well to reduce hotel expense. I would like to see your input, advice, tips, as this itinerary has been revised 3 times in the last 6 months of planning. or if we missed any "must see's". Also, a big thing for us.. is we want to stay away from the "tourist traps" as we would rather experience and explore the real way. Again, any input, tips would be highly appreciated as we want to make sure all the bumps are erased as we set journey on may 26th!

From your website it looks like you have this thing planned out EXTREMELY well. I have four suggestions:

1) Take state highways rather than interstates whenever you can. You'll get a much better feel for the country and better views on the state highways.

2) If you guys are into mountain biking stop off at Fruita, CO, which is between Moab and Lake George, CO. Fruita has awesome desert mountain biking trails.

3) It's a bit out of the way but Telluride, CO is beautiful and unique. It's a very laid back town that has a TON of personality. There's a campground right off of main street. The campground sits next to a softball field and softball players have to stop their games every so often to make way for hang gliders who land in the outfield. Pretty cool!

4) If you're trying to save money check out www.CouchSurfing.com. The site allows you to connect with people who will host you for free. The website claims to be a worldwide network for making connections between travelers and the local communities they visit. If nothing else I'm sure people will let you pitch your tent in their backyard.